Our Community Engagement Projects in Detroit
Getting to work
At Activate Detroit, we put every aspect of our experience into action for our clients. As a strategic partner and community engagement consultant in Detroit, we develop a deep understanding of what will work for each client and the community. We’re flexible and creative in delivering innovative, customized solutions that unlock Detroit for our clients — and benefit the communities where they do business. Here are just some of the projects that our community engagement company has helped clients bring to fruition.
AirBnb
Date: 2016 - 2017
Services Provided
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Community Engagement
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Governmental Relations and Access
When Airbnb announced that Detroit would be one of the 12 cities to host the launch of its new “Experiences” service, the company partnered with Activate Detroit to familiarize the community with the project and help Airbnb get to know the community. We administered Airbnb’s process for signing up hosts, facilitated introductions, and conducted day-to-day communications to establish connections. We also scouted for prospective “Experiences” hosts and helped develop and deploy a promotional film that included Mayor Mike Duggan. All of these bridge-building efforts helped grow the Detroit “Experiences” portfolio, and fostered a healthy relationship between Airbnb and the city of Detroit.
Amazon
Date: 2020
Services Provided
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Community Engagement
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Governmental Relations and Access
When Amazon wanted to build a distribution center in Detroit, Activate Detroit mobilized community groups to foster buy-in for the project and secured support from Detroit City Council. The new facility Is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the surrounding area, as well as funding for neighborhood development. This $400 million project is a win for both Detroit and Amazon.
Founders Brewing Co
Date: 2019 - 2021
Services Provided
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Community Engagement
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Corporate Social Responsibility and Value Propositions
When Founders Brewing Co. wanted to transition its company culture, it reached out to Activate Detroit. Buzz Thomas became its interim Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lead, helping develop a three-year plan to foster change in the company. This included the creation of a Diversity Action Council and an annual employee satisfaction survey.
MHT HOUSING, INC.
Date: 2019 - 2021
Services Provided
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Economic Development & Land Use Planning
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Community Engagement
At Home In The D
Activate Detroit’s knowledge and connections to help MHT Housing get affordable housing developments done right
When MHT Housing Inc. turned to Activate Detroit in December 2021, they were greatly in need of a partner that could get things done — quickly and skillfully. One of Michigan’s largest providers of affordable housing for families and older adults, MHT Housing was looking for a new consultant to kick-start stalled projects and manage numerous details that needed prompt attention. Activate Detroit gladly stepped in, making the most of our Detroit connections and knowledge to help MHT Housing move vital projects in the city to completion.
O’HAIR PARK
Date: 2019 - Present
Services Provided
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Community Engagement
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Economic Development and Land Use Planning
Community matters
For Activate Detroit, neighborhood input is at the heart of successful development in O’Hair Park
Like many Detroit neighborhoods, O’Hair Park is a close-knit, active community. After the city demolished an old building there in 2013, trash and debris began gathering on the 13 acres of vacant land. Gail Tubbs, president of the O’Hair Park Community Association (OHPCA), described it as “a thorn in the side of the community and an eyesore.”
Plowshares Theatre Co.
Date: 2018 - 2019
Services Provided
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Community Engagement
As Michigan’s only professional African American theatre company, Plowshares Theatre Company strives to preserve, present, and produce African American experiences that challenge minds and build community. Given Activate Detroit’s deep roots in the city, we were an ideal choice to help Plowshares build a relationship with Detroit’s African American community. Plowshares brought us in to help vet and potentially launch a new production. Our work included community engagement and focus groups based on readings of the play at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. After the readings, we facilitated discussions that led to the refinement of the play before it was
presented.
Wolverine Human Services // Core Orchards
Date: 2017 - Present
Services Provided
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Government Relations and Access
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Community Engagement
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Economic Development and Land Use Planning
Activate Detroit helped secure a deal to purchase land for Detroit’s first “You Pick” orchard and cider mill. We helped earn the community’s support, and negotiated ordinances from the city to allow the development of the orchard.